Peter was ordained priest in New Zealand in 1984, and came to Australia in 1998 with Barbara, to enable her to take up an invitation for her to study for her doctorate at the Australian National University (Research School of Social Sciences). Peter ministered in Koorawatha Parish (Young District Anglican Ministry) until 2001 when he was appointed Senior Priest, and subsequently Vicar, at St John's, Canberra.

They came to King Island, supported by The Bush Church Aid Society, in January 2006, and expect to be at All Saints until the end of 2009.